Sample \Sam"ple\, n. [OE. sample, asaumple, OF. essample, example, fr. L. exemplum. See Example, and cf. Ensample, Sampler.]

1. Example; pattern. [Obs.]

--Spenser. ``A sample to the youngest.'' --Shak.

Thus he concludes, and every hardy knight His sample followed. --Fairfax.

2. A part of anything presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen; as, goods are often purchased by samples.

I design this but for a sample of what I hope more fully to discuss. --Woodward.

Syn: Specimen; example. See Specimen.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Sample \Sam"ple\, v. t.

1. To make or show something similar to; to match. --Bp. Hall.

2. To take or to test a sample or samples of; as, to sample sugar, teas, wools, cloths.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)